AIP (Audiovisual Industry Promotion) has cancelled theVenice pre-Screenings it was due to host on the Lido from August 30 toSeptember 1.

Giovanni Galoppi, president of AIP, the new organisationformed by Cinecitta and Fiera di Milano, MIFED's parent company, had originallyannounced that around 30-40 international buyers would be invited to thescreenings of Italian films just ahead of the festival. (see Screendaily, July28)

However, yesterday, AIP told the Venice Film Festival thatit was cancelling the event "fortechnical reasons." Invitations to buyers have been withdrawn.

AIP was unavailable for comment.

Meanwhile, the Venice Film Festival's Industry Office ispressing ahead with the festival's own screenings and events, to be heldSeptember 1 - 10.

Laura Marcellino, head of the Industry Office, said that1,500 professionals are expected to receive accreditation this year. Around 80films will be presented to buyers, in addition to screenings in other formats.

Industry events will include a conference hosted by MediaPlus to announce the extension of the European Union's Media Programme. Venicewill also host the forum of the European Producers Club, conferences onscriptwriting, a presentation of films from the Veneto region, and a series ofevents to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the end of Apartheid in SouthAfrica.